Gene Hackman death update at New Mexico sheriff press conference notes possible date actor died

Summary

Sheriff Adan Mosa of Santa Fe, New Mexico, provides an update on the deaths of Jean Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Erakawa, 65, who were found deceased in their home on February 26, 2025. After a welfare check was conducted by neighborhood security, both individuals, along with their German Shepherd, were discovered unresponsive. The cause of death remains undetermined, with carbon monoxide ruled out. Investigators are reviewing medical records, medications, cell phone data, and other evidence to determine a timeline of events. The pathologist is conducting further tests, and results from autopsies and toxicology reports are awaited to confirm the cause and manner of death.

Takeaways

• 😀 Deputies responded to a welfare check on February 26, 2025, at a residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where two individuals and a dog were found deceased.
• 😀 Jean Hackman (95) and Betsy Arakawa (65) were found unresponsive in their home, and a German Shepherd was also found dead, while two other dogs appeared healthy.
• 😀 A maintenance worker's concern led to a welfare check, and security personnel observed the decedents through a window before calling 911.
• 😀 No signs of foul play were found at the scene, and carbon monoxide testing was done to ensure safety.
• 😀 A search warrant led to the collection of evidence, including cell phones, medication bottles, Tylenol, and a monthly planner.
• 😀 Initial autopsy findings revealed no external trauma to either individual, and the cause and manner of death are still pending, awaiting toxicology reports.
• 😀 Mr. Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last event on February 17, 2025, suggesting that might be his last day of life.
• 😀 The investigation team will analyze cell phone data, medication records, and the monthly planner to establish a timeline of events.
• 😀 There is no surveillance video available to assist with the investigation, and no signs of distress were found on Betsy Arakawa.
• 😀 The investigation is ongoing, with a focus on the autopsy and toxicology results, which could take several months to determine the official cause of death.

Q & A

What was the date and time when deputies were dispatched to the residence?

Deputies were dispatched to the residence on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m.

What led to the discovery of the deceased individuals?

A maintenance worker arrived at the residence and became concerned when there was no answer. The worker contacted neighborhood security, who performed a welfare check, and found the bodies of Jean Hackman and Betsy Arakawa through a window.

How did deputies gain access to the residence?

Deputies arrived at the residence and gained access, where they observed both Mrs. Arakawa and Mr. Hackman deceased.

What did the initial investigation reveal about the cause of death?

Initial findings showed no external trauma to either individual. The cause and manner of death were not determined, and the results of autopsies and toxicology reports were pending.

Was carbon monoxide a possible cause of death?

Tests for carbon monoxide were conducted, and both individuals tested negative for it. Therefore, carbon monoxide poisoning was ruled out as a cause of death.

What items were collected during the search of the residence?

During the search, two green-colored cell phones, two bottles of medication, one bottle of over-the-counter Tylenol, medical records, and a 2025 monthly planner calendar were secured as evidence.

Why are the pills found in the residence considered important evidence?

The pills are important as they may help determine the cause and manner of death. They will be analyzed by the pathologist to see if they played a role in the deaths.

What information was found about Mr. Hackman’s pacemaker?

The pacemaker's last recorded event was on February 17, 2025. A more thorough investigation of the pacemaker will be conducted.

Were there any signs of foul play or distress in the bodies?

There were no apparent signs of foul play or distress. No external trauma was found, and there were no indications of distress in either individual.

What challenges are investigators facing in determining the cause of death?

Investigators are working to piece together a timeline of events by analyzing cell phone data, the planner, and other evidence. The lack of surveillance footage and the privacy of the individuals involved has added difficulty in establishing the exact timeline leading to the deaths.